MANILA, Philippines — After months of the campaign, the Philippine 2022 elections ended with front runners UniTeam Tandem, Former Senator Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr., and outgoing Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio widely leading the race for President and Vice President, respectively.
Based on the recent partial and unofficial results, the tandem both garnered over 31 Million votes, with at least 98.23% percent of the election returns processed.
Marcos had more votes than rival Vice President Leni Robredo, who got more than 14 million votes, while Robredo’s running mate, former Senator Kiko Pangilinan, also lost against Duterte with more than 9 million votes.
A few hours after the release of the partial tally on Monday, Marcos Jr. came out in a televised speech thanking supporters for giving him a landslide victory.
“We thank you all so very much. I want to thank my countrymen. They have been there, not just for the candidates… but for the bright future of our beloved Philippines.”
Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“The count is not yet done. Let’s continue our watch. Thank you for all that you have done for us,” He added.
Sara Duterte also called on supporters to continue guarding their votes while the canvassing of polls is still ongoing.
“We shall continue to guard our votes until we have reached the proclamation.”
DAVAO CITY MAYOR SARA DUTERTE
Opposition supporters also expressed their frustrations online with the large gap between Marcos and Robredo’s votes, citing that it is impossible, as outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte won by a landslide but only got over 16 Million votes last 2016 elections. They also claimed a supposedly consistent 47-percent ratio between votes for the top two presidential bets.
Many of them gathered near the Commission on Election’s main office to question possible election fraud on Tuesday. However, according to COMELEC, it is difficult to prove cheating allegations. They encourage supporters to check election returns so they can verify them themselves.
Marcos Jr. spoke person , Atty. Vic Rodriguez also called on critics to respect the decision of the majority, citing “Respetuhin na lang ho sana nila yung naging desisyon ng higit sa mayorya ng Pilipino,” Rodriguez said in an interview with CNN Philippines.
(I hope they just respect the decision of more than the majority of Filipinos)
If the official numbers remain, Marcos-Duterte will be the first presidential and vice-presidential candidate to gain an absolute majority since 1986. They also promised to unite Filipinos in their term.